The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) is part of the worldwide Demographic and Health Surveys program, which is designed to collect data on fertility, family planning, and maternal and child health.
The BDHS is intended to serve as a source of population and health data for policymakers and the research community. In general, the objectives of the BDHS are to:
- assess the overall demographic situation in Bangladesh,
- assist in the evaluation of the population and health programs in Bangladesh, and
- advance survey methodology.
More specifically, the objective of the BDHS is to provide up-to-date information on fertility and childhood mortality levels; nuptiality; fertility preferences; awareness, approval, and use of family planning methods; breastfeeding practices; nutrition levels; and maternal and child health. This information is intended to assist policymakers and administrators in evaluating and designing programs and strategies for improving health and family planning services in the country.